It all began in 1972, that’s when Kawasaki launched the first of its ‘Z’ or Zee bikes, with the unveiling of the legendary Kawasaki Z1 (below). It was the fastest mass-production motorcycle at the time, and recently, its lineage has been revived, albeit in slightly smaller form.
Kawasaki Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KMMSB), the official importers and distributors of the famed brand recently launched the new Kawasaki Z250 SL (Super Light), the sibling to the Ninja 250 SL, which was introduced earlier this year. Think of the Z250 as the leaner and meaner version of the Ninja and you’d not be far off. Weighing in at a mere 148kg, it’s 3kg lighter than the Ninja 250 SL and a whole 20kg lighter than the twin-cylinder Z250.
The new Z250 SL is a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC 4-stroke ‘thumper’ that puts out 28hp and 22.6Nm of torque. In a surprise move, KMMSB allowed some of the assembled media at the launch to immediately ride-off with the demo bikes, about 30 units in total, at the end of the event.
Priced at an affordable RM15,739, the Z250 SL is a daily-commuter targeted at beginner riders and those looking to upgrade from a scooter or cub bike, around the 18-28 year-old bracket. It’s also targeted at the increasing number of lady-bikers emerging on a daily basis, as its low kerb weight should make it easier for the fairer sex to handle.
AF will be testing and reviewing a demo unit of the Z250 SL for about a month from today, so look out for our review of this latest entry-level ‘Streetfighter’ coming soon!
